CHRISTMAS DAY & BOXING DAY

 

Boxing Day, blue skies, great snow cover, only a breeze 

Here at Tarmachan Towers we always have a Christmas break from work. Although a few years ago I did work on walking trips abroad and have actually worked Christmas Day on Ben Nevis back in 2010, when we had a stunning spell of conditions. Generally my wife and I head out on the hills together at the festive holidays. A good plod before stuffing ourselves with excess food. This year was no different. On Christmas Day we set off walking in the dark at 7am. Although it was chilly and the freezing level was around 700m, there was no snow on the  Monadhliath. Lovely and peaceful. After a clear start the high level cloud soon obscured any hope of beautiful sunrise colours. We were back home before 11am.

Christmas Day morning. Early start in the dark

Best of the sunrise colours

Some ice but no snow

By lunchtime on Christmas day it started snowing in Aviemore. By dusk there was a decent snow covering in the garden. Through the night the steady fall of snow continued. With an excellent forecast on Boxing Day we set out again, on our regular hill as yesterdays walk. What a contrast in the conditions. From no snow at all yesterday to ankle deep snow in Aviemore on Boxing Day. Above 700m it was knee deep snow drifts. Yesterday it was a big clear path, less than 24 hours later deep snow. It was a stunning blue skies and sunshine day, glorious to be outdoors. Temperatures had dropped and although the breeze was only 20mph it felt cold once you stopped. 

My walk up from Strathspey

The local Roe Deer in the Aviemore streets

Snow drifts above 700m

Mountain Hare tracks

Knee deep drifts in places

A complete contrast to yesterday!

Red Grouse in the snow

Beautiful end to the day

The Northern Cairngorms & Strathspey

Late afternoon descent and peaceful

Today sees another change in the weather. High winds on the summit of Cairn Gorm, in excess of 100mph gusts. Down in Aviemore we have a mix of wet snow, sleet and rain. On the A9 it looks terrible conditions for travelling. Hopefully my clients will get through for their 4 day winter skills course with me starting tomorrow.